Biographical Brief
BArch., Temple University, 1996
MArch., Syracuse University, 2001

Michael A. Ambrose holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University where he studied in Philadelphia and Rome, Italy, on a Temple University Study Grant. Professor Ambrose completed his graduate studies in Italy, working in Florence, earning a Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University through the Graduate School MArch Post-Professional Degree Program.

His research and design work focuses on developing a broader understanding of scale through explorations into the spatial and temporal issues related to the human form in architecture. Specifically, the work seeks to re-conceive of the corporeal metaphor in architecture as a dynamic spatial event. The research examines the relationship between architectural scale and metaphysical simultaneity, examining the ways in which geometric and spatial ambiguities can provide organizational models for design.

Ambrose gained considerable experience in practice with Kunz Gordon Architects in Philadelphia. He later worked with one of that firm’s principals to found Philip D. Kunz Architects, Inc. where he served as project manager and designer for numerous building projects throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey including a project for Peirce College involving the adaptive reuse of the historic home of 19th century architect, Frank Furness, in center city Philadelphia.

While practicing in Philadelphia, Michael Ambrose was a member of the faculty at several Phildelphia architecture programs, including; Drexel University, Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now Philadelphia University) and Temple University. He was the Computer Aided Design Educational Coordinator for the Departments of Design and Architecture at Drexel University where he developed several courses in digital modeling and animation. Ambrose served on the faculty of the Syracuse University School of Architecture from 2001 until 2004 both in Syracuse and Florence, Italy, prior to joining the Faculty of Architecture in the University of Maryland School of Architecture Planning and Preservation in August of 2004.